The league-based, national championship tournament featured 141 teams from 90 clubs in U-13 through U-18 boys and girls age groups. All 19 regional NPLs across the country were represented in Aurora. Champions excelled in the challenging environment that included group play, semifinals and finals.

“This year’s NPL Finals served as an exciting finish to the 2015-16 NPL season,” NPL General Manager Leo Garcia said. “It was challenging and rewarding for the entire tournament field. To make it to Colorado is an accomplishment in itself, and we know all these teams will build on their success heading into the next NPL season.”

The 2016 NPL Finals was déjà vu for NEFC Elite, as the club tied an NPL Finals record – set by themselves during the 2015 NPL Finals – with a total of six participating teams. And, like last year, three went on to win national championships, including its U-17 girls team, which edged FC Copa Academy '98 NPL in penalty kicks.

That NEFC Elite U-17 girls team was one of three teams that defended their titles from last year with championships this year: New York SC '98 in the U-17 boys division and NEFC Elite in the U-14 girls bracket.

FC Dallas nearly captured its third national championship in a week – in addition to its U.S. Soccer Development Academy U-15/16 and U-17/18 titles – but lost in overtime, 3-1, to Sockers FC '00 in the U-15 boys bracket. For the Chicago-based club, it was redemption after losing 3-2 to FC Dallas last year in the U-15 boys final.

The U-18 girls final was a rematch of the first game of the division – between Davis Legacy SC '98 and PWSI Courage '97 Red. On Thursday, the cross-country opponents battled to a 2-2 tie, but on Monday, Davis Legacy prevailed, 3-1.

Campton United has now set a precedent for conquering the U-18 boys bracket, as it clinched the same age group last year, as well.

Aurora Sports Park will continue to play host to US Club Soccer’s national championship competitions later this week when the National Cup XV Finals arrives in Aurora.

ABOUT US CLUB SOCCER:

A National Association member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, US Club Soccer fosters the growth and development of soccer clubs in order to create the best possible development environment for players of all ages.

Anchored by Players First and its five pillars of Club Development, Coaching Development, Player Development, Parent Engagement & Education and Player Health & Safety, US Club Soccer offers registration, league- and cup-based competition platforms, player identification and a variety of other programming, resources and services.

US Club Soccer is sponsored by Nike and supported by LaLiga through a technical partnership.